The FDA authorized marketing of a device to help diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Cognoa ASD Diagnosis Aid from Palo Alto, Calif.-based Cognoa is a machine learning-based software intended to help healthcare providers diagnose ASD in children 18 months through 5 years of age who exhibit potential symptoms of the disorder.
“Autism spectrum disorder can delay a child’s physical, cognitive, and social development, including motor skill development, learning, communication, and interacting with others. The earlier ASD can be diagnosed, the more quickly intervention strategies and appropriate therapies can begin,” says Jeff Shuren, MD, JD, director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “Today’s marketing authorization provides a new tool for helping diagnose children with ASD.”
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines ASD as a “developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges” and is estimated to affect about 1 in 54 children. Because ASD symptoms can vary greatly, the disorder may be difficult to diagnose. While ASD may be detected as early as 18 months old, many children are not diagnosed until later in childhood, which can delay treatment and early intervention. The average age of diagnosis for ASD is 4.3 years. Some delays in diagnosis are due to the need for children to be referred to specialists with expertise in ASD.
The Cognoa ASD Diagnosis Aid is a software as a medical device that uses a machine learning algorithm to receive input from parents or caregivers, video analysts, and healthcare providers to assist physicians in evaluating a patient at risk of ASD. The device consists of three main components: a mobile app for caregivers and parents to answer questions about behavior problems and to upload videos of their child; a video analysis portal that allows manufacturer-trained and certified specialists to view and analyze uploaded videos of patients; and a healthcare provider portal that is intended for a healthcare provider to enter answers to pre-loaded questions about behavior problems, track the information provided by parents or caregivers, and review a report of the results. After processing the information provided by parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers, the ASD Diagnosis Aid reports a positive or negative diagnosis if there is sufficient information for its algorithm to make a diagnosis. If there is insufficient information to render a “Positive for ASD” or “Negative for ASD” result to help determine a diagnosis, the ASD Diagnosis Aid will report that no result can be generated.
The Cognoa ASD Diagnosis Aid is indicated as an aid in the diagnosis of ASD for patients 18 months through 5 years of age who are at risk of developmental delay based on concerns of a parent, caregiver, or healthcare provider. The device is not indicated for use as a stand-alone diagnostic device but as an adjunct to the diagnostic process.
